Catalog Archive
Auction 162, Lot 766

"Folio XIXX", Schedel, Hartmann

Subject: Incunabula

Period: 1493 (published)

Publication: Nuremberg Chronicle

Color: Hand Color

Size:
10.9 x 15.8 inches
27.7 x 40.1 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

Hartmann Schedel's Nuremberg Chronicle (Liber Chronicarum) was published in two editions, Latin and German, both in 1493, appearing in print just before Christopher Columbus' discoveries completely re-shaped the European view of the World. This splendid work presented the history of the world in a pictorial encyclopedia with approximately 285 pages of text and 1,800 woodcut illustrations. Among these illustrations are views of towns and cities throughout Europe and the Near East. The majority of these views are entirely imaginary. In fact, 49 of the views are actually printed from the same group of 14 woodblocks. There are also 30 double-page views of cities with more realistic images. In addition to the topographical images, there are an enormous number of other subjects, including diagrams of the Creation, comets, family trees, portraits & biblical scenes. The text was compiled and edited by Hartmann Schedel, printed by Anton Koberger, with illustrations designed by Michael Wohlgemuth and Willem Pleydenwurff, who cut the woodblocks, probably with the assistance of their apprentice, Albrecht Durer.

An illustration of God's appearance to Moses in the burning bush fills the upper part of the verso of this great leaf, with part of the lineage of Aaron below. On the recto there are a number of illustrations including the devil tempting Job and several kings.

References:

Condition: B+

There is light scattered foxing, and the top margin has been trimmed with a partial loss of header.

Estimate: $300 - $400

Sold for: $210

Closed on 4/26/2017

Archived